Characteristics of Personhood

Characteristics of Personhood

• Humans are not isolated individuals but thrive in relationships.
• The concept of personhood needs examination to better define what it means to be a person.
• Max Scheler, a German philosopher, identified traits that distinguish humans from other beings.
• Self-Awareness: The ability to reflect on thoughts, emotions, and experiences sets humans apart from animals that act on instinct. Humans can question their existence and make conscious choices.
• Ability to Grasp the Essence of Existence: Humans analyze situations, draw conclusions, and recognize the deeper meanings behind experiences.
• A Being that Loves (Ens Amans): Beyond intellect, humans can love, express compassion, and form meaningful connections.

Self-Development and Service

• Understanding the characteristics of personhood is vital for self-development.
• Being self-aware, deeply understanding, and driven by love helps individuals fulfill responsibilities that benefit the community and nation.
• "Ens Amans" means love is central to personhood.
• True development means nurturing compassion (caring for others and working for the common good).
• Holistic personal growth involves aligning with a mission to serve others, extending beyond family and friends to society.
• A nation prospers when its people are dedicated, have integrity, and care about serving.

Personhood in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution

• The 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution in the Philippines significantly demonstrated personhood collectively.
• Filipinos upheld ethical values to fight for democracy during this event.
• The revolution was guided by four key ethical values;
  • Unity: People from all walks of life united for a common cause, setting differences aside for the nation's good.
  • Courage: Citizens stood firm for freedom and justice, bravely facing challenges.
  • Non-Violence: The movement remained peaceful, showing that change could happen without bloodshed.
  • Justice: The revolution was a call for fairness and integrity in governance.
• Participants embodied self-awareness, recognized their duty, and understood that collective action could bring change.
• Their actions were driven by love for the country and fellow Filipinos.

Understanding of Personhood

• Fellow: Recognizing each person is part of a larger community and thrives in relationships.
• Personhood: The state of being, marked by self-awareness, intellect, will, and love.
• Compassion: The ability to empathize with and act upon the suffering and needs of others with kindness.
• Ens Amans: A person who loves, and this love motivates their actions and decisions.
• Unity, Courage, Non-Violence, and Justice are ethical values from the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, that illustrate how personhood can impact society.
• To be a person involves living with purpose, being self-aware, and serving others.
• By embracing the characteristics of personhood, individuals can develop themselves and benefit their communities and nation.
• The 1986 EDSA Revolution shows when people act with unity, courage, non-violence, and justice, they can create a better society for future generations.